The (Jewish) Chief Priest and the Scribes were aware of Christ’s birth. But that was it. They only quoted the scripture to Herod the King, and went back to their old lives. They were completely indifferent to the situation at hand. They could have followed up, (why) the birth of Christ was being inquired. I mean, isn’t that the whole scripture was leading up to – the coming of Messiah? But when the time was ripe, and they had the opportunity to be a part of a historical moment – they didn’t care. They could have followed the wise-men from the East. But they didn’t. Herod the King, on the other hand was petrified. He felt threatened. He schemed much, and even got many murdered just to get rid of the new born King.
According to Piper (pg. 18), the narration of the birth of Christ, demonstrated two kinds of opposition that will always rise against Christ and His people. First, these are the indifferent. (Rom 1:22) Example: the priests and the scribes. These are people who know about Christ, but they don’t care about Him. Christ, to them is a non-entity. These are people comfortable in their sin. And they want nothing to do with who Christ is, or why they would need Him. Second, these are the hostile. (Rom 2:5-6) Example: Herod the King. These are people who enjoy a dominion over their own lives, and in the lives of people who love them or serve them. These are people who feel threatened that Christ will alter their dominion, by His new system of Righteousness and Holiness. These are people who are stubborn in their sin. Hence, the first lot of people create passive obstruction, thereby being an opposition to Christ and His people. While the second lot of people, create aggressive obstruction – trying their best that the Truth may never be established.
Now, I will not tell you – introspect and see whether you belong in any of these group. Because chances are, both you and I are most likely to be guilty of not one, but maybe of both indifference and stubbornness. It can be in-part, at a certain moment of our lives. It can be, a present condition. But whatever the case may be. To some extent, and to some measure, we are all guilty. Because no one is righteous. (Rom 3:10) But there is one thing I want to add, as I conclude this devotional, and that is – we don’t have to be that way. Christ came for sinners, to call them to repentance. (Lk 5:32) God is faithful, so let us seek Him. (1 Cor 10:13) Because it is the promise of the scriptures, that “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Rom 5:10, ESV)
Note: All of Piper’s quotations are from “Good News of Great Joy“
Read previous entries in this Series:
(i) Introduction: What Christ wants this Christmas (ii) December 1: Prepare the Way (iii) December 2: Mary’s Magnificent God (iv) December 3: The Confidence of Redeeming Hope (v) December 4: A Big God for Little People (vi) December 5: What He Willed to do (vii) December 6: Peace to those with whom He is pleased (viii) December 7: Messiah of all (ix) December 8: Christ is Central in Christmas
Semper Reformanda 